100 Free Things to Do in Melbourne
Melbourne has a reputation for being Australia’s cultural capital, but exploring the city doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences or a visitor keen to soak up the sights, there are plenty of free things to do in Melbourne. From historic tours and world-class museums to beautiful gardens and vibrant festivals, the city offers something for everyone—without spending a cent.
This list of 100 free things to do in Melbourne is packed with ideas to keep you entertained, engaged, and inspired.
Ready to start exploring? Let’s go!
Best Free Things to Do in Melbourne
Free Things to Do: History & Heritage
1. Melbourne Town Hall Tour – Go behind the scenes on a guided tour of Melbourne’s historic Town Hall. Swanston St, CBD. Read our review.
2. Old Treasury Building – Discover Melbourne’s gold rush history in this stunning 19th-century building. Spring St, CBD. Read our review.
3. Royal Historical Society of Victoria – Browse historical collections and exhibitions. Peel St, West Melbourne. Read our review.
4. City Art & Heritage Collection – See hidden treasures from Melbourne’s cultural history. Town Hall, Swanston St, CBD. Read our review.
5. Parliament House Tour – Step inside Victoria’s Parliament and learn about its history. Spring St, CBD. Read our review.
6. ANZ Banking Museum – Learn about the history of banking in Australia. Collins St, CBD
7. Shrine of Remembrance – Visit this moving war memorial and enjoy stunning city views from the balcony. Birdwood Ave, CBD. Read our review.
8. City Circle Tram – Ride a heritage tram around the city and enjoy guided audio commentary. CBD. Read our review.
9. Coop’s Shot Tower Museum – Explore the historic shot tower inside Melbourne Central. La Trobe St, CBD
10. Government House Tours – Explore the grand State Rooms and beautiful gardens of Victoria’s Government House on a guided tour. Government House Drive, Melbourne
11. Melbourne Greeter Service – Enjoy a free guided walking tour with a friendly local. Melbourne Town Hall, CBD. Read our review.
12. Australian Heritage Festival – Enjoy free events celebrating Australia’s history. Various locations, held annually in April-May.
Free Things to Do: Art & Culture
13. NGV Australia – See Australian masterpieces at The Ian Potter Centre. Free gallery highlight tours run daily. Fed Square, CBD. Read our review.
14. NGV International – Explore world-class artworks at the NGV or go on a free highlights tour that run daily. St Kilda Rd, Southbank. Read our review.
15. Koorie Heritage Trust Art Gallery – Experience Aboriginal art, history, and culture. Fed Square, CBD. Read our review.
16. State Library of Victoria – Admire the stunning La Trobe Reading Room and exhibitions. Swanston St, CBD. Read our review.
17. Cowen Gallery – Discover historic paintings inside the State Library. Swanston St, CBD
18. City Gallery – Visit free art exhibitions showcasing Melbourne’s history and identity. Swanston St, CBD
19. City Library – A vibrant community library offering books, exhibitions, and free cultural events. Flinders Lane, Melbourne
20. ACMI: The Story of the Moving Image – Journey through the history of film and TV. Fed Square, CBD. Read our review.
21. Australian Music Vault – Celebrate Australia’s musical legends. Arts Centre Melbourne, Southbank
22. Victorian Arts Society VAS Gallery – View exhibitions from the Victorian Artists Society. Albert St, East Melbourne. Read our review.
23. Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Exhibitions – Browse free art and history exhibitions. Lonsdale St, CBD
24. Metro Tunnel HQ – Discover the city’s biggest rail project through interactive displays. Swanston St, CBD
25. narrm ngarrgu Library – The City of Melbourne’s newest library offering 30,000 books, creative technology, and a rooftop terrace. Queen Victoria Market precinct
26. Testing Grounds – Explore experimental art installations. Queen Victoria Market
27. Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) – See bold contemporary art exhibitions. Caulfield East
28. Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) – A leading contemporary art space showcasing bold and innovative exhibitions from local and international artists. 111 Sturt Street, Southbank
29. Library at the Docks – A modern waterfront library with stunning views, a heritage gallery, and free events. Docklands
30. Buxton Contemporary – A cutting-edge contemporary art museum featuring works from the Michael Buxton Collection. Southbank
31. RMIT Gallery – A public art space presenting exhibitions on contemporary art, design, and new media. Swanston Street, Melbourne
32. Grainger Museum – Learn about the life of eccentric Australian composer Percy Grainger. University of Melbourne, Parkville
33. Ian Potter Museum of Art – Explore contemporary and historical art exhibitions. (Reopening in May 2025). University of Melbourne, Parkville
Free Things to Do: Gardens & Green Spaces
34. Royal Botanic Gardens – Wander through 38 hectares of stunning gardens. Free walking tours also run regularly. Birdwood Ave, South Yarra. Read our review.
35. La Trobe’s Cottage Garden – Wander through a recreation of Victoria’s first governor’s garden. (Entry into the Cottage is $4) Kings Domain, South Yarra
36. Fitzroy Gardens – Relax in these heritage gardens with lush greenery. Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. Read our review.
37. Parliament Gardens Tour – Join a free guided walk of this peaceful garden. Spring St, CBD.
38. Queen Victoria Gardens – Admire floral displays and sculptures. St Kilda Rd, CBD
39. Carlton Gardens – Stroll through gardens surrounding the Royal Exhibition Building. Carlton
40. Flagstaff Gardens – Melbourne’s oldest park, perfect for a peaceful walk. CBD
41. Batman Park – Take a peaceful riverside walk with public art along the way. Spencer St, CBD
42. CERES Community Environment Park – A hub of sustainability and urban gardening. Brunswick East
Free Things to Do: Architecture & Laneways
43. St Paul’s Cathedral – Admire stunning architecture and stained glass windows at this iconic neo-Gothic cathedral. Flinders St, CBD. Read our review.
44. Hosier Lane – Explore Melbourne’s most famous street art laneway. CBD
45. 333 Collins St – See the stunning baroque dome blending history with modernity. CBD
46. AC/DC Lane – A tribute to the legendary rock band with murals. CBD
47. Royal Arcade – Walk through Melbourne’s oldest shopping arcade. Bourke St Mall, CBD
48. Nicholas Building Arcade – Browse vintage shops and art studios in this heritage building. Swanston St, CBD
49. Capitol Arcade – Peek inside this beautifully designed arcade by Walter Burley Griffin. Swanston St, CBD
50. St Patrick’s Cathedral – See stunning Gothic Revival architecture at Victoria’s largest cathedral. East Melbourne
51. Mission to Seafarers – Visit a unique Spanish-style building packed with maritime history. Docklands. Read our review.
52. Manchester Unity Building Lobby – Marvel at this Art Deco masterpiece. Collins St, CBD
53. St Michael’s Uniting Church – Admire the beautiful stained glass and mosaic floors. Collins St, CBD. Read our review.
54. Centre Place – Stroll through this vibrant laneway filled with street art. CBD
55. Union Lane – Check out the colourful murals along this hidden laneway. Bourke St, CBD
56. Tattersalls Lane – Discover quirky art and eateries in this buzzing laneway. Chinatown, CBD
57. Melbourne General Cemetery – Visit historic graves and peaceful gardens. Carlton North
58. Presgrave Place – Spot hidden framed artworks in this unique laneway. Off Little Collins St, CBD
Free Things to Do: Walks & Scenic Spots
59. Window Shopping at Bourke Street Mall – Wander through Melbourne’s best shopping precinct. CBD
60. Yarra River Walk – Stroll along the river and enjoy the views. CBD
61. Southbank Promenade – A lively walk with cafes and city views. Southbank
62. Docklands Public Art Trail – Follow this self-guided trail to see impressive public art pieces. Docklands
63. Queen Victoria Market Buskers – Enjoy live music from talented street performers. CBD
64. St Kilda Esplanade Walk – A breezy coastal walk with pier views. St Kilda
65. Westgate Park Pink Lake – See the lake’s natural pink hue (seasonal). Port Melbourne
66. Lygon Street Walk – Stroll through Melbourne’s ‘Little Italy.’ Carlton
67. Albert Park Lake Walk – A relaxing lakeside walk with city views. Albert Park
68. Watch the Sunset at Princes Pier – See stunning sunset views over Port Phillip Bay. Port Melbourne
69. Sandridge Lookout – Enjoy panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and the city. Port Melbourne
70. South Wharf Cargo Sheds – Walk along these heritage-listed sheds by the river. South Wharf
Free Things to Do: Events & Festivals
71. Music Matinee Concert Series – Enjoy free live classical music performances by talented young musicians at Scots’ Church. Most Tuesdays, 1 pm
72. Lunchtime Meditation at Fed Square – Take a relaxing break with a free 30-minute guided meditation session. Tuesdays, 12:30 pm, Atrium at Federation Square
73. St Paul’s Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts – Enjoy a peaceful half-hour of live music performed by talented young musicians in a stunning setting. Wednesdays, 1 pm, St Paul’s Cathedral
74. Lunchtime Organ Recitals – Experience the grandeur of live organ music, from Bach to contemporary composers, in a breathtaking venue. Thursdays, 1 pm, St Michael’s Uniting Church. Read our review.
75. Victorian Seniors Festival – Enjoy various free events, music, and activities. Various locations, throughout all of October. Read more here.
76. Celebration Day (Victorian Seniors Festival) – A special festival day with free performances, workshops, activities and more. October, date TBC. Read our review.
77. Melbourne Fashion Week Free Events – Enjoy free runway shows and exhibitions. Happens each year in September.
78. Melbourne Writers Festival Free Events – Attend author talks and panel discussions. Happens each year in May
79 Open House Melbourne – Tour heritage buildings for free. Happens each year in July
80. Chinese New Year Celebrations – Lion dances and performances in Chinatown. Happens each year in February
Free Things to Do in Melbourne with Your Grandkids
81. Sky Park at Melbourne Quarter – A peaceful green space above Collins Street, perfect for a play break. Near Southern Cross Station
82. ArtPlay – A creative hub where kids (0-12) can explore art with professional artists. Birrarung Marr
83. Ron Barassi Snr Park – A hidden Docklands playground with sand and water play. Docklands
84. Harmony Garden – A musical playground where kids can create sounds as they play. Southbank
85. Carlton Gardens Playground – A bright, fun play area next to Melbourne Museum (free for kids). Carlton
86. Birrarung Marr Playground – A riverside playground with climbing structures and swings. Behind Fed Square
87. Lincoln Square Playground – A nature-inspired playground with slides, climbing towers, and rope bridges. Carlton
Free Things to Do: Further Afield
88. Point Cook Coastal Park – Visit wetlands, beachside cliffs, and historic homesteads. Point Cook
89. Heide Sculpture Park – Stroll through a park filled with modern sculptures. Bulleen
90. Edendale Community Environment Farm – Visit farm animals and learn about sustainability. Eltham
91. Cherry Blossoms at Banksia Park – See seasonal cherry blossoms in bloom. Heidelberg
92. Victoria State Rose Garden – Wander through thousands of blooming roses in this stunning free garden. Werribee Park
93. Living Legends at Woodlands Historic Park – Meet retired champion racehorses (entry to park is free). Greenvale
94. Brighton Bathing Boxes Viewpoint – Admire the colourful beach huts. Brighton
95. Hawthorn Arts Centre Gallery – Visit this gallery inside a stunning heritage building. Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
96. The SUBSTATION – A creative arts hub in a historic building, hosting exhibitions, performances, and events. Newport
97. Dights Falls Walk – See the rapids and historic weir. Abbotsford
Free Things to Do: Circumstantial
98. Melbourne Museum – Discover Victoria’s natural and cultural history, including the famous Phar Lap exhibit. Carlton. Free for pension card holders, $10 for seniors card holders. Read our review.
99. Immigration Museum – Explore stories of migration and cultural diversity in this fascinating museum. Flinders St, CBD. Free for pension card holders, $10 for seniors card holders. Read our review.
100. Scienceworks Museum – A hands-on science museum with engaging exhibits and demonstrations. Spotswood. Free for pension card holders, $10 for seniors card holders.
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